We must resolve to work together - farmers, marketers, processors and government

Margaret Beckett

Instead, farmers needed to diversify and forge links with their markets and the rest of the food chain, she told her audience in London.

But the minister also said that despite recent crises in agriculture - such as BSE in cattle and the foot-and-mouth outbreak - there was now a "new vitality" in the industry.

"The world is changing, and together, we must set a new direction, one which is right for these changing circumstances," Mrs Beckett declared.

'Vibrant industry'

The minister went on: "I am personally committed to working for a successful rural economy, with, at its heart, a successful, profitable and respected food and farming industry - highly regarded both at home and internationally.

"I share your desire to develop a vibrant, viable and forward-looking industry."

Some of Margaret Beckett's comments were welcome, but long overdue

Peter Ainsworth Tory spokesman

Last week a watershed report into food production and farming in England called for subsidies paid under the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy to be redirected from producing crops to protecting the countryside.

Mrs Beckett said although the report was no "panacea" it was "integral" to plans for a sustainable agriculture strategy.

Following the speech the Conservatives said "more than waffle" was needed to repair what they called a breakdown in trust between countryside and the government.

Shadow rural affairs secretary Peter Ainsworth said Mrs Beckett had "belatedly acknowledged" Britain's "lax" import controls, apologised for the "costly inefficiency" of the rural payments agency and appeared willing to listen to farmers - but "sharper delivery" was now necessary.